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Chasing Away Childhood Cancer

CAAC Participates in Awareness & Advocacy Events in DC

Chase After a Cure executives Whitney Ringler and Adam White traveled to Washington DC on September 16th-20th to participate in multiple childhood cancer advocacy and awareness events. The first two days of their trip they participated in lobby days with Rally for Medical Research. Nearly 300 advocates from across the country participated in a lobby day on Capitol Hill to make a strong case for increased and sustained funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants came from 40 states and the District of Columbia to take part in this coalition event. Each advocate had different stories to tell and were passionate about many different diseases and conditions. CAAC met with 5 congressional offices including Senator Tim Scott, Senator Lindsey Graham, Rep. Trey Gowdy, Rep. Mark Sanford, and Rep. James Clyburn. During an evening reception at the Kennedy Caucus Room, Adam and Whitney had the privilege of meeting Dr. Francis Collins (Director of the NIH).

On Thursday night, they attended a “Golden Toast” reception honoring Representatives Michael McCaul and Chris Van Hollen. These exceptional congressmen are the co-chairs of the Childhood Cancer Caucus.

Caucus Mission Statement
The mission of the bipartisan Childhood Cancer Caucus is to serve as a clearinghouse for information on pediatric cancer and a forum to aid Members of Congress in working together to address pediatric cancer. The Caucus will strive to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, advocate in support of measures to prevent the pain, suffering and long-term effects of childhood cancers, and work toward the goal of eliminating cancer as a threat to all children.

History of the House Caucus
Co-chaired by Representative Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Representative Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), the Childhood Cancer Caucus was launched in June of 2009 by Representative McCaul and former Representative Joe Sestak to better direct Congressional resources and efforts to the cause of preventing pediatric cancer.

On Friday, September 18th, CAAC attended the 6th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit. The 6th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit, hosted by the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, brought together Congressional champions, interested staff, and passionate advocates for an exciting morning to address the impact of new policy and scientific developments on children with cancer. Dr. Lee Helman, Acting Director of the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research, delivered a keynote address on the importance of investing in research and some of the biggest challenges in pediatric oncology today. “We believe we’re making progress but now is not the time to take our foot off the accelerator,” said Dr. Helman.

A panel discussion on drug innovation reiterated the importance of continued progress. The panel of pediatric oncologists, family advocates, and the CEO of United Therapeutics, Roger Jeffs, commented on the economic and scientific challenges of getting better cancer drugs to children. Panelist Dr. Michael Link, former ASCO president and current CCCA Board Member, gave a presentation on the current landscape of pediatric oncology, the importance of pathway-driven treatment, and how provisions of the House-passed 21st Century Cures Act will affect pediatric oncology research.

We were inspired to hear from Representatives Michael McCaul, Chris Van Hollen, and Jackie Speier about what motivates them as champions for children with cancer and why the childhood cancer STAR Act matters.

After the summit, CAAC got to take part in a White House briefing from the administration on current initiatives involving not only childhood cancer but cancer overall. CAAC learned more about the pediatric match trials, the Precision Medicine initiative and the overall efforts of The NCI to try to make childhood cancer more of a priority.

CAAC is a proud member of CAC2 (Coalition Against Childhood Cancer) and on Saturday, September 19th, they participated in organized meetings for Advocacy and Research. Collaboration is key with this group and it is important to engage in all ongoing planning and collective action to make childhood cancer a priority.

The trip concluded on Sunday at CureFest. CureFest for Childhood Cancer is an annual gathering on the national mall of over 100 childhood cancer organizations, several hundred families, advocates and survivors who come together to raise awareness for childhood cancer. The day included several speakers, musical performances, and artistic tributes to those lost and currently fighting childhood cancer. Several booths are scattered around the mall for educational and awareness opportunities about certain childhood cancer organizations.

All and all, it was a very productive trip with an incredible amount of coordinated effort to make childhood cancer a priority!

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